The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight Back against the disease.

At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length. One in every 100 Americans participates in one of the 5,000 American Cancer Society Relay For Life events across the globe, comprising the world’s largest movement to end cancer.

“We are currently in the midst of our Relay For Life of Upshur County fundraising season,” said Sara Allen of the American Cancer Society office in Tyler.

“This year one of our registered teams, Little Steps Big Strides (Little Steps Learning Center) has definitely made ‘big strides’ with their fundraising efforts,” she said. “Children from Little Steps Learning Center brought their change to school the entire month of March to raise money for their Relay For Life team.”

All together, the classes raised more than $500, with the 4-year-old class room bringing in the most money.

“They were rewarded with a super duper ice cream party!” Mrs. Allen said. “Little Steps Big Strides would like to say Thank You, not just to our awesome kids, but to their parents/guardians for your amazing support of our team.”

This year’s Relay event will be on April 26 and 27 at the Gilmer Municipal Airport.

Registration will begin at 5 p.m., with the opening ceremony and Survivor’s Walk kicking off at 6 p.m.

Teams participating at the event will have food and items for sale. They will also have a silent auction set up, Luminaries for sale for the Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m., and a special Survivor Guest area with refreshments and gifts.

“It’s not too late to get involved, so for more information about Relay For Life of Upshur County, please visit www.relayforlife.org/upshurcotx, she said, or you can contact her at 903-399-5136.